Newcastle’s latest defensive target is revealed

And the Mail understands that the defender – who had loan spells at Liverpool and Southampton this season – is interesting United.

The club will need to strengthen its defence – and bring in Championship experience – in the wake of relegation from the Premier League.

Caulker has experience of the division from a loan spell at Bristol City earlier in his career.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, in talks to stay on at St James’s Park and manage the club in English football’s second tier, has identified a number of potential targets.

Caulker is one option for Benitez should he stay at a club which is set for a summer of change.

Newcastle are not expected to offer long-serving centre-half Steven Taylor, out of contract this summer, a new deal.

The 30-year-old has experience of the Championship from United’s last relegation, but Benitez may feel a change is best for both the club – and Taylor. However, Newcastle are yet to confirm which, if any, players will be released.

Caulker – who started the season at Southampton – made just four appearances for Liverpool after joining the club in January.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce had also considered move for Caulker before the England international moved to Anfield at the turn of the year.

Meanwhile, United have has also been linked with a move for out-of-favour Bournemouth midfielder Lee Tomlin.

Tomlin, signed from Middlesbrough last summer, spent the second half of the season on loan at Bristol City.